Match Summary
Kashima and Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 2:2. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by K. Chinen 17′, Gonçalo Paciência 19′, T. Matsumoto 36′, H. Tokuda 82′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Kashima had 59% possession while Sanfrecce Hiroshima held 41%. Kashima had 14 shots (3 on target) compared to 20 (9 on target) for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Expected goals: Kashima 0.89 — Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2.61. Kashima made 4 substitutions, Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Kashima and Sanfrecce Hiroshima — 4 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Nago
assist: N. Arai
assist: H. Kawabe
assist: Y. Suzuki
Match Statistics
Kashima had 59% possession against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 41%. Kashima registered 14 shots (3 on target) while Sanfrecce Hiroshima managed 20 (9 on target). Corner kicks: 3–6. Fouls committed: 10–7.
Lineups
Kashima lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under R. Popović, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima deployed a 3-4-2-1 under M. Skibbe.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Kashima is 6.94, compared to 7.06 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Kashima's highest-rated starter is Y. Suzuki (7.24), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima's best-rated player is S. Nakano (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Kashima have contributed 16 goals and 9 assists this season, led by Y. Suzuki (10G). Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters account for 9 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by H. Kawabe (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Kashima deploy 3 defenders rated 6.95 on average, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 3-man backline averaging 7.19. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Kashima field 4 midfielders averaging 6.91, versus Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 4 rated 7.08. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Kashima start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.97, compared to 3 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima averaging 6.87. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Kashima's starters have collected 18 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Kashima's starting XI is 28.7 (youngest: I. Sekigawa (25), oldest: G. Shibasaki (33)), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima average 30.0 (youngest: S. Nakano (25), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Kashima's starters average 23 league appearances each, versus 36 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Kashima have recorded 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats. Sanfrecce Hiroshima show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Kashima
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Head to Head
Kashima and Sanfrecce Hiroshima have met 2 times — Kashima won 0, Sanfrecce Hiroshima won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Sanfrecce Hiroshima leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (1 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–1 in 2025.
0
Kashima
1
Drawn
1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026